Health and Safety policy

Man with Van Hampton Health and Safety Policy

Man with Van Hampton is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, contractors, customers and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and transport activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with local and regional removals, deliveries and related services.

We recognise our responsibilities under applicable health and safety legislation and industry best practice and aim to continually improve our standards. This policy applies to all staff, including temporary and part-time workers, and to all locations where we operate, including domestic and commercial premises, vehicles, storage locations and public areas.

Health and Safety Objectives

Our main objectives are to prevent injury, ill health and damage to property, and to promote safe methods of working in all removal and transport operations. To achieve this, we will identify hazards, assess risks, implement appropriate control measures and ensure effective training and supervision for all staff.

Health and safety considerations are central to planning and carrying out our services, from small flat moves to larger house or office relocations, and in all service areas that our vehicles and teams cover.

Management Responsibilities

Management at Man with Van Hampton is responsible for implementing and maintaining this policy. This includes providing suitable resources, equipment, training and information to ensure work can be carried out safely. Managers will ensure that risk assessments are in place, regularly reviewed and communicated to staff.

Management will investigate significant incidents and near misses to identify root causes and put corrective measures in place. They will also ensure that any changes in processes, vehicles, equipment or service areas are properly assessed for health and safety implications before being introduced.

Employee Responsibilities

All employees and regular contractors are required to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Staff must follow all training, safe systems of work and instructions given, and must not undertake tasks for which they are not trained or authorised.

Employees are expected to:

Report hazards, near misses and incidents promptly so that risks can be managed effectively.

Use vehicles, lifting equipment, trolleys, straps and other tools only for their intended purpose and in accordance with training.

Wear appropriate clothing and, where provided, personal protective equipment such as gloves, safety footwear or hi-visibility garments.

Refrain from working under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any substance that may impair their judgement, coordination or fitness for work.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Man with Van Hampton will carry out risk assessments for key activities including manual handling, loading and unloading, driving and vehicle operations, working at customers premises, use of lifting aids and working in public or shared spaces such as car parks and shared access routes.

These assessments form the basis of our safe working procedures, which may include:

Planning access routes, parking positions and loading points at properties to reduce reversing, awkward manoeuvres and obstructions.

Using two-person lifts for heavy or bulky items and employing lifting equipment or trolleys where practical.

Securing goods safely in vehicles using appropriate restraints to prevent movement during transit.

Maintaining clear walkways and avoiding trip hazards such as trailing straps, packing materials and tools.

Adjusting work practices to account for weather conditions, lighting, uneven surfaces and other environmental factors within the service area.

Manual Handling and Safe Lifting

Manual handling is a significant part of our removal work, so we place strong emphasis on safe lifting techniques and load management. Staff receive guidance on:

Assessing the weight, shape and stability of items before lifting.

Deciding whether additional help, equipment or an alternative method is required.

Using correct posture, keeping the load close to the body, avoiding twisting and taking regular breaks to prevent fatigue.

Employees are instructed not to lift or move items they believe to be unsafe or beyond their individual capability. Where access is restricted, such as narrow stairways or tight corridors, additional planning is undertaken to avoid strains, impact injuries or damage to property.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are an essential part of our service. Man with Van Hampton will ensure that vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition, regularly inspected, and that any defects are reported and rectified promptly. Drivers must hold the appropriate valid licence and follow all road traffic regulations.

Safe driving practices include planning routes within our service areas to allow sufficient time for travel, avoiding unnecessary time pressure, complying with speed limits and driving according to road and weather conditions. Drivers are expected to avoid distractions, such as mobile devices, while the vehicle is in motion.

Customer and Public Safety

We aim to protect customers, visitors, neighbours and the general public during all removal activities. Where loading or unloading takes place in shared spaces or near public areas, we will take reasonable steps to minimise risk, such as cordoning off work zones where possible, positioning vehicles to protect work areas and communicating clearly with anyone who needs to pass through the work area.

We will take care to prevent damage to customers property and to avoid creating hazards inside homes, offices, communal areas and building entrances. Staff are instructed to be alert to children, pets and vulnerable persons in or around the premises and to adapt their work methods accordingly.

Training, Information and Supervision

Man with Van Hampton will provide appropriate health and safety training for employees, which may include induction training, manual handling techniques, vehicle safety, use of equipment and specific task-related guidance. Refresher training will be provided as necessary or when there are significant changes in work methods, equipment or legal requirements.

Supervisors and experienced staff are responsible for monitoring work practices and providing on-the-job guidance, particularly to new or less experienced workers. Staff are encouraged to raise concerns and suggest improvements to health and safety arrangements.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, injuries and near misses must be reported to management as soon as practicable. Records will be kept and reviewed to identify trends and opportunities for improvement. Where required, incidents will be reported to the relevant authorities in accordance with legal obligations.

Employees are briefed on appropriate emergency procedures, including what to do in the event of fire, serious injury, road traffic accidents or other emergencies while working at customers premises or on the road within our operating areas.

Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement

This Health and Safety Policy will be monitored on an ongoing basis and formally reviewed at regular intervals, or sooner if there are significant changes in legislation, operations or identified risks. Feedback from employees and customers will be considered as part of our effort to continually improve health and safety performance.

Man with Van Hampton is committed to maintaining a strong health and safety culture so that our staff, customers and the communities we serve can have confidence in the way we carry out our removal and transport services.